Gallowgate Toon

Think it's a more delicate job to balance things than meets the eye. ASM and Isak are both fantastic options for us but I think Howe will only make one change next week so as to not disturb so much of what we do well in terms of defence and control. I have a feeling it'll be Isak for Wilson but I don't think that sorts the problem of players like Joelinton, Willock and Longstaff getting a lot of chances that they're missing, but it will help in taking Wilson out of the firing line who doesn't look mentally or physically at it right now.

Given this man's love of A-Ha, surprised that's not something we've played/used for him yet.

Our own manager has said 'dangerously short' about front options if injuries hit and 'light' in reference to our midfield depth. It'd be bad to not address either this window and, tbh, there's little reason not to either.

Only rationale I can see for us letting ASM go is if we know his body is struggling.

If we make it then I think it's a good final match-up. Likely a tight game, I think we'll come into some attacking form over the next few weeks which would be a great help to our case.

Last night, he lost the ball a bit (dodgy pitch) but his defensive work was outrageous, kept & took the ball in lots of high-pressure situations, and played some absolutely fantastic passes (even in the first half). I think we're at the point with him now where we notice more of the bad than the good because he so often makes the right choice.

Think that's a bit harsh. Both of his Leicester performances were top notch, imo.

Should've had an assist. Some tremendous runs. Excited to see what he can do as we integrate Isak and ASM into the starting XI more. In theory, it should open up more space for him, Trippier and Bruno to do their thing.

Easy to forget that Gordon is so early into his career. 21 ffs. We're paying as much for potential as well as what he can offer short-term.

"100% ready to play" - out for the next ~6 months with a cruciate injury. Don't think it's very wise to spend a lot of money on a crocked player, tbh.

Terrier is out with a severe injury. Maybe you don't know more than a professional scout?

He was bloody amazing. His work on the ball for a CB is sublime.

There was a case for the 'making chances' argument for the current XI for a couple of games but, ultimately, finishing isn't a lucky dip. If you're not even hitting the target on repeated occasions then the manager needs to be ruthless and show you that's not good enough for what we're aiming for.

He's got that connection thing with Isak too which is fucking great news for us. Feels like he given Isak more looks in about 30 minutes of play than he ever has with Wilson.

Confident he'll make changes for next week but not sure how he'll play it. Either way, playing the same starting team again would be hanging those struggling confidence out to dry and just a terrible move all-round.

What a run for the sending off.

Yeah, really odd. He's looked his best recently with Isak and I think that's a key for us in the league. For the next semi leg I'd rest him though.

He does the work of 2 midfielders and takes risks so it happens. He needs more support to bring the best out of him, imo, but he's still class. I think moving Joelinton back to his rightful position will be a big help.

Fuck's sake.

It's time.

Good result but should've killed it by about 60 minutes. Thought Howe should've made a change straight after the Joelinton miss, tbh, as you just know that's a confidence drainer for us and a booster for them. At least one of Isak or ASM has to make the starting XI next week. Ideally, both.

Wow.

You can only write off a small sample for so long until it starts to affect team confidence too.

Leicester in the cup.

We have a decent amount of control but the lack of incision is a worry. I'd keep it the same for 10 mins as we have a good platform and then look to bring on Isak.